Normally I accept that new tech is more expensive so they need to make it a luxury product at first to make a profit but car companies have been prioritizing ‘luxury’ pickups and SUVs for awhile now, even in ICE vehicles. A few years back now I’d have loved to buy a small, practical Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma or similar, but they’re only making big trucks with all kinds of cost-markup-worthy luxury features. (So I bought a sedan). The focus on higher returns per individual sale seems to be the overall trajectory and why wouldn’t it? The line must always go up.

I don’t doubt that the established car companies can turn an ever-growing profit (at least for awhile) by cutting overhead and fine-tuning existing products, but I’m frankly skeptical that they have the nerve or ability to really invest in developing an entire new type of vehicle. I just don’t think they have the ability anymore, they’ve spent too much time specializing in short-term profits. It’s much easier to complain and demand protectionism from competition.

I don’t disagree that the chinese companies have a lot of advantages, many of which are unfair. But I also don’t have any real sympathy for our Too Big To Fail™ car companies, who have received a frankly absurd amount of help themselves with far less benefit to show for it. And even when they get that protection I find I’m skeptical that they’ll use that cover to actually work to improve their electric vehicles to something comparable to the vehicle fleet that’s being locked out of the market.